Appeal No. 1998-0925
Application No. 08/588,836
IBM. The examiner applies IBM against the instant claims by
contending that the reference discloses the claimed subject
matter but for the claimed electrical coupling passing current
of varying frequency from the computer to the cable
corresponding to the sound waves reproduced by the speaker
during use. The examiner contends that the subject matter as
a whole would have been obvious, within the meaning of 35
U.S.C. § 103, because it would have been readily apparent to
artisans “that the stereo signals produced by the computer
system are transmitted in the form of currents and carried by
the lines within the cable 5 to the computer keyboard unit (1)
and speaker units (2,3) in order for the speaker units to
reproduce the corresponding sound waves” [Answer-page 7].
Appellants’ only response is to contend that each of the
independent claims requires at least one speaker “integrated
into and mounted within” the computer keyboard whereas IBM
discloses speakers removably connected to the outside of the
keyboard. The examiner counters with the argument that once
the speakers of IBM are connected, the keyboard unit and the
speakers become one with the speakers, “integrated” and
“mounted within” the computer keyboard.
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